Think about how long 50 years is. (If you’re approaching an upcoming birthday for that milestone, maybe don’t. Think about cake and good friends instead).

Five decades. Half a century. 436,800 hours. It’s a long time.

It’s also the years of safe driving that UPS Feeder Driver Ron “The Big Dog” Sowder has just racked up. (Feeder trucks are the big semis that you see rolling down the highway. “The Big Dog” is a cool nickname for someone who’s good at what he does).

Before crossing the finish line Wednesday at UPS’s facility in West Carrollton, Ohio, just south of Dayton, Ron was escorted for the last few miles of his milestone trip by Ohio State Troopers. He was then greeted by a blast of confetti and an enthusiastic welcoming committee at the building.

UPS takes their safety seriously, as anyone who has ever set foot in one of its facilities can attest, and an achievement like this means a whole lot to the company. (In fact, UPS invested $175 million in safety training in 2011). On Thursday morning, several special UPS guests from around the country were on hand for a formal celebration at the facility.

A native of Springboro, Ohio, Ron was fresh out of the Navy when he joined UPS in 1960. Since then, he figures he’s driven more than 4 million miles; transported more than 22 million packages, and climbed into a UPS truck more than 12,000 times. Just last year he was featured on the show “American Trucker” on the Speed Channel.

According to Ron, the greatest benefit of being a UPS driver is “The future. I like that this company is always growing – Never stagnant. It’s great to be a part of an organization that is always looking ahead to what comes next.”

So now what’s next? Well, more great service and safe driving from “The Big Dog.”

You can count on that.

Go behind the scenes with Team UPS at the National Truck Driving Championships

It was game on at the weeklong competition in Orlando, FL, that featured more than 400 of the best drivers in the business, including 19 UPSers who won U.S. state championships this year to qualify for the Nationals.

Competing in the nine classifications, the drivers were tested on their knowledge of safety rules and regulations, performance of pre-trip inspections, and on-course driving skills.

Top UPS performances were turned in by Robert Foskey, who finished seventh in the Twins division and Clarence Jenkins, who placed eighth in the Sleeper division. Making his second appearance in the Nationals, Tim Sproles from Bristol,TN, garnered a tenth-place finish in the Sleeper division.  

Check out the following video and find out why the worst thing you can do at the competition is run over a duck.

Here’s our all-star roster:

Tim Bailey, Jr. – West Virginia

Ty Bentley – North Carolina

Gregory Deterding – Maine

John Evans – Nevada

Robert Foskey – Florida

John Foran – Vermont

Don Gaston – Kentucky

Larry Hall – Maryland

Steve Hanna – Missouri

Todd Hester – Georgia

Clarence Jenkins – West Virginia

Roger Nicholson – Georgia

Kari Paulson – Illinois

Bill Raff – Illinois

Ron Raney – Iowa

David Sharp – Nevada

Vernon Smith – Nevada

Tim Sproles – Virginia

Alan St. Clair  – Illinois

UPS driver William Raff provides a recap from the event:

“Very early Saturday, all of the drivers were introduced to the spectators, walked across the stage to receive their State Champion (silver) belt buckles and shook about 30 officials’ hands along the way. We also received envelopes containing a participation certificate and a printout of our individual scores for the written, pre-trip and driving tests. The printout showed points possible, our individual score, class average and what rank we achieved. The top five scorers in each class received blank printouts as they are to drive again, a different course, this morning so that 1st thru 5th place for each class can be determined. Saturday we attended the Championships Banquet where those drivers ranking 1st, 2nd & 3rd in their class and the Grand Champion of the entire event were announced. The 1st place winners in each class received a gold belt buckle. We rooted for our good friend from YRC, Rich Seigle, who made the top five. For some reason Rich has a soft spot in his heart for us UPS guys. He befriended us back in the late 90′s at the state event and has been guiding and coaching us ever since. I love that guy. “

Summer has delivered its annual blend of heat and humidity to most parts of the U.S. For UPS drivers – who spend most of their working hours outside – staying safe during hot weather is crucial.

Here at UPS, we take a comprehensive approach to safety and wellness with hydration as a key element. In fact, our hydration program is a year-round effort that includes a hydration self-check card. According to UPS Occupational Health Manager Janice Hartgens, “Hydration is fundamental to our safety process. We would like our employees and their families to develop hydration habits that become second nature.”

So what are the best practices that UPS employees follow? And how are they useful to others? Read on.

U.S. Army photo by Christopher Miller

Drink water throughout the day

You’ve probably heard the old adage “drink 8 glasses of water a day.” Well, it’s a good practice to follow. At UPS, we recommend our employees drink 8 to 10 servings of water a day. And it’s important to stay hydrated even if you’re not thirsty. By the time you start feeling thirsty, you are already starting to get dehydrated.

Avoid drinks high in sugar and/or caffeine (e.g. energy drinks)

Caffeine and sugar pull fluid from your body, which contributes to dehydration and impairs the body’s ability to sweat.

Eat light meals and choose foods high in water content

Hot foods and heavy meals can slow the body down, making you feel lethargic. Foods high in sugar and salt contribute to dehydration. Instead, choose fruits and vegetables, which naturally have high water content.

Wear lightweight, loose clothing

Loose-fitting clothing can help keep your body cooler and helps the body lose less fluid through sweating. And don’t forget the sunscreen. Keep your skin protected when you’re spending time outside.

Know which medications can trigger dehydration

Believe it or not, some medications and supplements can affect your hydration levels. Allergy and asthma drugs, laxatives and supplements like ephedrine and stimulants can cause dehydration. Check with your physician for information and guidance.

Stay alert to signs of heat-related illness

Symptoms can range from tiny blister-like spots known as heat rash to more serious signs such as nausea and headache, which can indicate heat exhaustion. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to heat stroke, a potentially deadly condition. The CDC provides a list of symptoms on heat-related illness at its web site.

“Hey, that driver has a beard! What’s with that?” 

I can’t tell you how many times that question was asked when Robb Mariani, the bearded host of American Trucker, put on some browns to ride with UPS’s own safety champ Ron “Big Dog” Sowder. Though you will never see a real UPS driver with a beard, we decided to give Robb a pass on the facial hair. 

Robb and his crew were featuring UPS operations on the Speed Channel show that travels the globe featuring big trucks and the people who drive them. Robb is a real fan of trucks and truckers and his enthusiasm was obvious as he and his crew filmed at Chicago CACH, Cincinnati and Louisville Worldport operations.

While the crew was in Chicago, they toured the CACH operation and spent some time with several top Circle of Honor (COH) drivers and the mechanics who keep them on the road. It was obvious that the size and complexity of the CACH operation was a revelation to Robb. But he seemed most excited when they gave him a uniform and let him get behind the wheel. Robb managed to complete Safe Driving Day One by driving a quarter mile across the yard to hook up a trailer. This was shortly after talking to a COH driver with just over 6.5 million safe driving miles.

Then the crew headed for Cincinnati to meet up with Ron “Big Dog” Sowder, who has the longest safe driving record in the company – 49 years and still going. Ron drives every day from Dayton, Ohio, to Cincinnati and on to the Worldport operation in Louisville, Ky. The plan was to let Robb ride along.  

But all that talk of trucks and trucking history took us momentarily off plan as Robb found out that the local automotive shop was rebuilding a 1976 Diamond Reo tractor. So we headed for the shop, which is housed in the original Cincinnati building, built in 1934. There Robb was like a kid in a candy shop talking about the rebuild project with Automotive Manager John Hollis and climbing aboard a dusty tractor to experience a little UPS history. 

Finally, Robb was on his way to Worldport with Ron “Big Dog” Sowder. I can only imagine what those two were like on the road together. Robb loves trucking and Big Dog is about as close to living truck history as you can get around here.      

At Worldport, it was fun to watch Robb as he realized just how big and diverse the world of UPS operations really is. “Honestly, this whole adventure is hurting my brain,” he declared at one point during the tour. At the end of the day, you could see that he really got it. “You people really do love logistics!” he proclaimed. 

Ya, Robb, we really do.

Getting to tag along with a group of 50 fabulous UPSers and their guests who traveled from around the country to attend the 2011 Daytona 500, compliments of UPS, was as much of a thrill for me as attending the race itself.    

Above and beyond the opportunity to meet UPS NASCAR No. 6 Driver David Ragan on race day, I had the chance to get to know employees like New Jersey District’s Bob Hook, a 31-year safe tractor-trailer driver who was charged with delivering the green flag that was waived to begin the “Great American Race.” 

The winning attendees were selected as part of the UPS NASCAR Employee Program, which recognizes UPSers who demonstrate leadership in areas such as safety, service and growing the business.                                                                   

Bernie and Melina Tobin celebrate their honeymoon at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando and Daytona 500.

Bernie Tobin, a Great Lakes Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) order processing representative, was ecstatic when he learned he was going to Daytona after outselling everyone in his division – even though the recognition coincided with his wedding day.  He and his bride moved up the wedding by one day and renamed the trip to Florida as their honeymoon. 

“We’re both in school,” says Bernie, “so we didn’t have the time or money to do a lot.  We were going to spend a few days skiing, but a free honeymoon in sunny Florida at a race—thank you UPS.  We’re going to continue chasing down every opportunity we can find, so we can come back again next year.”    

Circle of Honor Members (l.-r.) Tom Anderson, Antoinette Blackburn, and Bob Hook combined have more than 90 years of safe driving experience.

Antoinette Blackburn, nominated for the recognition by the Desert Mountain management team in Arizona for her perfect driving record during 32 years of service, was overwhelmed by the honor. 

“I had a lot of fun meeting UPSers from all over,” she attests.  “The interaction with the fabulous 50 reaffirms how UPS people work as a team and are committed to high standards.”

Race day was unbelievable.  Who knew we would get a police escort from the hotel to the track?  How cool is that?  Then, there were tours around the newly paved track.  A raffle drawing at one of the dinners included commemorative pieces of the old track. A little bit of Daytona Superspeedway to take home for a few lucky UPSers.

And talk about a great race. UPS race fans went crazy when David took the lead position in the final laps of the race.  He had hooked up with Trevor Bayne, another Roush Fenway driver, drafting his way to the front of the pack.  Two-car drafting was something new at the Daytona track, prompted in part by the newly repaved surface.  

Although the end wasn’t a win for David, he congratulated Trevor, who set a record as the youngest driver to ever win the Daytona 500, just a day after his 20th birthday.   

David earned an admirable 14th place position, which was up two places from his finish at Daytona last year.  The fabulous 50 were nonetheless excited to be a part of the day’s events.  No doubt, I’ll be watching David and the UPS No. 6 car from the comforts of home next week when he races in Phoenix — no police escorts required.

Edward Bonilla and Roberto Rosario

Every day many of us get into our vehicles and drive to and from work, run errands and visit family and friends. If you are like me, driving is just like any other routine. We know, but do not often think about the many distractions that can take our focus away from being safe while driving. We forget that there are other drivers out there who do get distracted and could be a danger to us. 

Now think about operating your vehicle for eight hours a day, making frequent stops to deliver and pick-up packages on time, all while having to back into tight spaces and drive through busy streets, no matter what the weather is like. UPS drivers do this every day and some have done this for 25 years or more without a single auto crash. These are the drivers who are inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor and this year, for the first time, three drivers from Puerto Rico join this elite group.

Joseph Arroyo from Carolina, Edward Bonilla from Cabo Rojo and Roberto Rosario from Bayamon were all hired and began driving in 1985 and have not had a single crash since. While some of us were going out to watch the movie The Breakfast Club or going out to try new Coke, (if you were born in the 80s or later, you can look these up) these drivers began UPS training that has kept them and our roads safe for many years since. 

Their induction to the Circle of Honor represents UPS drivers everywhere as being the safest on the road. These drivers, like all UPS drivers, continue to show that safe driving is not an afterthought – it’s at the very heart of the UPS culture. Our drivers make a choice to be the best. The Circle of Honor is a testament to the daily dedication that our drivers display in keeping the roads safe for everyone.

There is no doubt that going 25 years without an auto crash takes something special. Some of us would say that they had a little bit of luck. But ask any UPS driver and they‘ll tell you that it’s not about luck – it’s about the training they receive before they begin their first delivery and the training they get every day thereafter. As drivers in our “newer” operations begin to reach this tremendous milestone, it reminds me how UPS’s dedication to safety extends across the globe. This inspires me to be aware and safe when I’m out in my car running my errands. Being safe in our vehicles is no routine and definitely no accident. Who better than UPS drivers like Roberto to remind us that, “My most important stop is when I return to my family at the end of the day.”

Every year, UPS is proud to announce the new “class” of Circle of Honor inductees – drivers who have steered clear of accidents for 25 years. The company goes to great lengths to alert local journalists of each local driver’s incredible accomplishments.

This year, 48 separate press releases were sent to thousands of local reporters across the United States and abroad. We take pride in our safety training. And we take pride in honoring our people for their accomplishments.

Media outreach is one way we honor our people. That outreach includes a national press release, local releases by state, an audio news release for all U.S. radio stations along with video footage of our senior-most safe drivers Ron “Big Dog” Sowder and Ginny Odom, who have over 80 years of safe driving between them. We make that footage available for all TV stations to use in news broadcasts.

The blogosphere is another way we communicate the achievements of our drivers. Twitter, Facebook and the UPS blog, UPSide, all feature the unique accomplishments of our service providers.

This recognition has been honored by the American Trucking Association with their “Good Stuff” award. That award is given to organizations that help burnish the reputation of the trucking industry. The UPS Circle of Honor is all about “Good Stuff.” And we love sharing the accomplishments of our finest with the rest of the world.

Yesterday, UPS recognized its safest drivers by inducting 1,122 driving professionals into the company’s Circle of Honor. The new Circle of Honor represents the senior safe drivers in the organization who have gone at least 25 years without an accident. The group has a total of 5,248 active members.

Ron Sowder of UPS’s Ohio Valley District is the company’s top safe driver. He has driven accident free for 49 years and amassed over 4 million miles.  Ron credits his success to staying alert, keeping a positive attitude on the roads and exercising his skills. The skills Ron is referring to are the cornerstone of the safe driving methods UPS teaches all of its drivers. The following are some that Ron uses every day:

1. When starting up at an intersection, look left, right and left again.
2. When stopped in traffic, leave a car length of space from the vehicle ahead. This allows space to get by cars that stall as well as a cushion to turning vehicles.
3. Make eye contact with other drivers by using horns, lights and  signals.
4. As a rule of thumb, use rearview and side mirrors once every five to eight seconds.

Ron, who is affectionately called “Big Dog,” has a daily 312-mile roundtrip route from West Carrollton, Ohio, to Louisville and back and he has done it for 49 years without a crash. Compare that to your daily commute! 

We’re also celebrating UPS’s top female safe driver, Ginny Odom, who drives out of our Florida District and has a “daily commute” of 600 miles. Ginny’s route is from Orlando to Cordele, Ga., and back. She has driven accident free for 36 years and credits another of UPS’s safe driving staples, keeping a space cushion from the vehicle in front of you.

The group of elite drivers is recognizable by a UPS Circle of Honor patch that they wear on the sleeve of the iconic UPS brown uniform. So if your regular driver comes by, keep an eye out for that patch and say congratulations to a true safe driving professional.

At UPS, one of the things we’re known for is our drivers. UPS customers have come to count on them for more than 100 years. They’re trusted, familiar faces in neighborhoods and offices. But UPS drivers are more than helpful and friendly – they’re also very safe. Today, UPS honors 5,248 of its safest drivers who’ve achieved 25 years or more of accident-free driving. These drivers are part of an elite group known as the Circle of Honor. And you can recognize a Circle of Honor driver by the patch displayed on his or her uniform sleeve.

This year’s Circle of Honor includes UPSers from Canada, Germany and Puerto Rico. In the U.S., more than 5,000 drivers qualified for the Circle. Which state has the most? That would be California.

Together, our Circle of Honor drivers have logged more than 5 billion miles of safe driving. That’s nearly 54 times the distance between the earth and the sun.

How do they do it? Through rigorous training and keeping their full attention on the road at all times. On average, UPS drivers undergo 40 hours of training before they hit the road in our brown package cars. Here are a few tips you can follow to stay safe on the road:

• Always pay attention to changing road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Avoid distractions in your car – this includes mobile phones and food.
• Pay attention to other drivers on the road and keep a safe distance.
• If roads are slippery, use smooth starts and stops.
• Brake early to avoid “heavy braking” (and sliding) when stopping.

The next time a UPS driver stops by your home or office with a package, look carefully at the shirt sleeve. If you see the Circle of Honor patch, you know your driver is one of the best.

It started with an email from the community service committee just two days before our Global Volunteer Month activity. The email tells volunteers to check their names on a list and their assigned roles, and to look under the reserved list if we can’t find our names.

We had a problem, but it was a good problem. Too many UPSers have volunteered to support the TOUCH Young Arrows in their Road Safety Education programme.

In all, 75 UPSers showed up at the Road Safety Park in Singapore to support 25 TOUCH Young Arrows. These 25 children came from low income or single parent families. Many of them have little or no parental care and are at risk of falling into bad company.

For me, volunteering means making a difference to the lives of these children, even if it’s for just one day. Although my role was not to be a buddy to the children but as a safety co-ordinator, I made it a point to interact with them and make them feel special.

At the Road Safety Park, there’s a miniature circuit set up with roads, pedestrian walkways, traffic lights, car parks and even mini bus stops. The children and their buddies were divided up into three groups – pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The drivers “drive” pedal-powered karts.

Unfortunately, it started to rain heavily after 15 minutes. Most of the children abandoned their karts and bicycles and ran for cover. I realized there were still a few children on the circuit with their UPS buddies. These children refused to abandon their karts and insisted on pedaling back to the kart shed, even though they were struggling. I ran out to them and together with their buddies pushed them back into the kart shed.

In the shed, I had the opportunity to chat with some of them and be their “big brother” as we waited for the rain to stop. We were drenched but enjoyed ourselves.

When the rain finally stopped, we made these few children feel extra special by getting their karts ready while they were being briefed before the re-start. After the briefing, they were the first to go onto the circuit while everyone else had to queue up for their karts.

While it was only a small gesture, the few kids appreciated it and we continued to talk even after the activity was over during lunch.

I spent a lot of time volunteering during my school days but when I found a job, the amount of time spent volunteering became less and less. So I’m glad that at UPS, volunteerism is a big thing. We do it together and encourage each other. When UPSers come together as volunteers, titles and job function no longer matter. We are together as one.

This year in Singapore, more than 250 UPSers have volunteered their time to various Global Volunteer Month activities. TOUCH Young Arrows is just the first.